The award was established in 2013 by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, now the Office of the Vice Provost for Inclusion and Diversity, to recognize faculty and staff members who exemplify and promote a welcoming and inclusive environment in accordance with the university’s Principles of Community. One staff and one faculty member are selected annually by the Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity and each receives a $2,000 cash prize.

Greene joined the Virginia Tech community in 2005 and has made significant contributions to the university’s diversity programs, specifically through her involvement with the Diversity Development Institute.

She performs a variety of functions supporting the institute, including scheduling classes, tracking participants’ progress toward their certificates, overseeing the logistics and hospitality of the classes, and interacting with external presenters in preparation of and following their sessions.

Greene has completed both the Ally and Advocate Diversity Development Institute certificates and will complete the Ambassador certificate training this spring.

“In her work to expand the quality of dialogue and engagement at the university, Linda makes the principled practice of enhancing diversity her norm, her regular practices, and this shows the depth of her character,” wrote Christian Matheis, visiting assistant professor of Government and International Affairs, in a nomination letter.

Greene consistently does work above and beyond her job description. She is working with former members of the Eta Chapter, and the National organization of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. to reestablish an active chapter at Virginia Tech. As a member, Linda has served as the chapter advisor.